Definitions

primary source

[prahym-er-ee sawrs, sohrs] / ˈpraɪm ɛr i ˈsɔrs, ˈsoʊrs /

NOUN

text, account, source others are based on

Synonyms

STRONG

eyewitness eyewitness account first-hand first-hand account first-hand report horse's mouth immediate source on-the-scene report on-the-scene reporter original account original source original text source text text of origin unmediated account

WEAK

observer witness

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

primary source

“They’re using Social Security as their primary source of income,” he said.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 26, 2026

The constant pressure from Russian counterintelligence was the primary source of such uncertainty, she recalls.

From BBC ● Oct. 22, 2026

They first examined what happened when male mice were castrated, removing the primary source of testosterone.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 18, 2026

The staffer said that examiners were no longer allowed to access the primary source level data and could only “check the checker now,” meaning they must rely on a company’s own findings.

From Salon ● Sep. 1, 2026

The really interesting thing is that I might actually have another primary source literally under my pillow.

From "Fast Pitch" by Nic Stone

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